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All the news that is relevant for the WNDD Region
Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More!
Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…
This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of Brownfields technical assistance, transit development, community facilities, USDA/EDA Resource Guides and STEM grants.
Grant Opportunities & More
Free Technical Assistance for Property Assessment and Revitalization
EPA’s Brownfields program sparks Community-serving projects in historically underserved neighborhoods. Under EPA’s Targeted Brownfields Assessment program, EPA assists communities to assess potentially contaminated properties and safely facilitate their redevelopment. Available at no cost to local governments, quasi-governmental agencies and tribes, information gathered from Targeted Brownfields Assessments gives prospective purchasers a better understanding of potential contamination issues at brownfields in their communities. EPA will characterize a brownfield to determine the nature and extent of the contamination. Results are provided to the community to assist them in redevelopment planning.
Funding Announced for Transit-Oriented Development Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of nearly $10.5 million in competitive grant funds for agencies to plan transit-adjacent development. FTA’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development supports planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities, with a focus on projects that plan for affordable housing. Planning funded through the program must examine ways to improve economic development and ridership, foster multimodal connectivity and accessibility, improve transit access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, engage the private sector, identify infrastructure needs, and enable mixed-use development near transit stations.
Application Deadline: July 22, 2024
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants
USDA Rural Development provides Technical Assistance and Training grants to eligible public bodies and private, nonprofit organizations (such as states, counties, cities, townships, incorporated towns, villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Tribes located on Federal or state reservations) to provide technical assistance and/or training in support of essential community facilities programs. In turn, this technical assistance and training helps grantees identify and plan for community facility needs in their area. Once these needs are pinpointed, the grantee can find additional public and private financial resources.
Funds may be used to:
• Assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs
• Identify resources to finance community facility needs from public and private sources
• Prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to
develop community facilities
• Prepare applications for financial assistance from Rural Development
• Improve administrative and financial operations management
• Assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary of Agriculture
Maximum Award: $150,000
Application Deadline: July 8, 2024
USDA and EDA Update Resources in Joint Guide to Boost Economic Development in Rural Communities
USDA Rural Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) updated resources in the joint guide originally released in 2022 to help rural communities build strategies to boost local economic development. Both agencies made several key updates to ensure communities can access new webpages and resources. The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four focus areas.
These include:
• Planning and technical assistance
• Infrastructure and broadband expansion
• Entrepreneurship and business assistance
• Workforce development and livability
STEM Grants for Workforce Development Partnerships
Nevada’s STEM Workforce Challenge Grants provide funding to spark the creation of lasting partnerships between industry and workforce training providers resulting in sustainable training programs that provide in-demand, industry recognized STEM skills to training recipients and lead to full-time jobs in STEM industries. These grants are available for Nevada’s Community Colleges or State College, private career colleges located in Nevada that provide technical training, Chambers of Commerce, organizations that specialize in workforce training, Regional Development Authorities, STEM-related businesses, employee associations, and city and county governments.
Total Available Funding: $425,000
Workforce Challenge Webinar: July 18, 2024 at 10:00 am PT
Application Deadline Round XV: August 26, 2024
Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…
This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of housing, energy and more.
Grant Opportunities & More
Be on the Lookout: CEDS Update Survey and Project Forms – WNDD Members ONLY
Western Nevada Development District members will be invited to submit projects for regional support in the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Update. Also, we are seeking your input through a MailChimp survey to add updates to the existing CEDS.
Western Nevada Development District Members will be asked to participate in this simple two part process:
Projects:
Members will be invited to submit projects for regional support in the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Update. New projects or updates to existing projects already in the CEDS need to be turned in by May 3, 2024.
Survey:
Members will be asked to complete a simple survey to aid WNDD in creating the 2024 CEDS Update.
The 2020-2025 CEDS is a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process and document that successfully engages the region’s community leaders, private sector partners, and stakeholders. The result creates an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy and to qualify the region for additional assistance from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce (EDA).
Areas of focus are:
• Workforce Development Infrastructure (sewer, water, energy, broadband)
• Transportation
• Quality of life
• Attainable Housing
Organizations are welcome to submit projects based on; community/regional needs, current community plans, and projects that support the CEDS goals.
This process can help bring money into our communities and create job opportunities.
HUD Grants Available for Manufactured Housing
Cooperatives, nonprofit entities, CDFIs, and governments are eligible applicants for HUD grants that may be used to acquire manufactured housing, community land, repair and replace manufactured housing units, make infrastructure improvements, and provide technical assistance. Applications for the Preservation & Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) program, which will provide $225 million for the benefit of low-income individuals.
Application Deadline: June 5, 2024
More on HUD and Manufactured Housing:
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to support manufactured housing
• HUD webinars on manufactured housing
Cultural and Community Resilience Grants Program Touts Preservation and Access
The Cultural and Community Resilience program supports community-based efforts to address the impacts of climate change and COVID-19 by safeguarding cultural resources and fostering cultural resilience through identifying, documenting, and/or collecting cultural heritage and community experiences. The program prioritizes projects from disadvantaged communities in the United States or its jurisdictions.
Project activities may take many forms, including but not limited to:
• Collaborative planning to identify cultural and historical resources
• Documentation of cultural and historical resources through digital means
• Recording oral histories
• Preserving Traditional Knowledge, practices, or technologies, and memories of elders and community, including in languages other than English; or
• Establishing shared resources and protocols for rapid response collecting
Maximum Award: $150,000
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024
More Info and Recorded Webinar
Nonprofits can Spread their Good Word through Google Ad Program
With billions of Google searches happening every day, nonprofits around the world use the Google Ad Grant program to connect with people looking to learn more about their cause. To help people digitally reach and engage their organization’s supporters, Google can provide a (free) helping hand. Through the Google Ad Grant program, qualifying nonprofits can receive up to $10,000 per month in free advertising to spend on the Google Search Network. This in-kind donation allows nonprofits to promote their brand, programs, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers online using the Google Ads platform.
Local Government Energy Program: Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy
This funding opportunity will support eligible local governments and Tribes to implement projects that provide direct community benefits, spark additional investments, meet community-identified priorities, and build local capacity. Community benefits may include creation of local economic opportunities for workers, workforce measures and agreements, community revitalization, lowered energy burdens, increased access to renewable energy, improved air quality, increased public participation in energy decision-making processes, and improved quality of life for local residents. Projects may span a range of geographic scopes and wide variety of technology areas including, but not limited to building efficiency and/or electrification, electric transportation, energy infrastructure upgrades, microgrid development and deployment, renewable energy, resilience hubs, and workforce development.
Award Amount: $900k to $3.6M
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
Curated by WNDD…
The latest information on economic development impacting your community.
Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors
The 2024 Western Nevada Development District’s Summit “Show Me More Money” provided more than 90 attendees with an in-depth look at the benefits of Brownfields, the Nevada Tech Hub impact, building coalition partnerships while breaking down silos, and opportunities available to rural Nevada.
Special thanks to the City of Fallon for rolling out the red carpet as the Summit kicked off with a special tour at the Frey Ranch Distillery followed by an enjoyable evening of food and fun at the Historic Oats Park Art Center. A shout out to all our panelists and lead speakers/moderators: Eileen Christiansen, Principal, BEC Environmental; Philip Childers, Brownfields Client Manager, Converse Consultants; Dr. Fred Steinmann, Director, UNR-UCED; Glen Martel, CEO, Nevada Builders Alliance and Shari Davis, Director, Rural Economic and Community Development, GOED.
The Summit would not have been possible without these great sponsors:
Platinum
Nevada Builders Alliance
Gold
City of Fallon
Converse Consultants
Silver
RailPros
Copper
Roman DBDR
Quartz
BEC Environmental, Inc.
RNDC
Special Thanks
Frey Ranch
Grants to Strengthen Rural Cooperatives and Expand Access to New and Better Markets
The USDA is making the $5.8 million in grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program to start, improve or expand rural cooperatives and other mutually owned businesses that will help improve economic conditions in rural areas.
Nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for grants to provide technical and cooperative development assistance to individuals and rural businesses.
USDA is particularly interested in applications that will:
• Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities
• Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD funded projects
• Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
The maximum award is $200,000.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge America Grants Help Everyone Live More Artful Lives
Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. Challenge America features an abbreviated application, a robust structure of technical assistance, and grants for a set amount of $10,000. Grants require a cost share/match of $10,000 consisting of cash and/or in-kind contributions. Total project costs must be at least $20,000 or greater.
Challenge America supports projects in many artistic disciplines including Artist Communities, Arts Education, Dance, Design, Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies, Media Arts, Museums, Music, Musical Theater, Opera, Presenting & Multidisciplinary Arts, Theater, and Visual Arts.
Projects must extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. Projects may include, but are not limited to: arts programming, including the commissioning or presentation of artists or artwork; marketing and promotional activities; special events and organizational planning.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024
Tribal Energy Funding Opportunities
The Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Indian Tribes, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations, to:
• Install clean energy generating system(s) and/or energy efficiency measure(s) for Tribal buildings
• Deploy community-scale clean energy generating system(s) or community energy storage on Tribal lands
• Install integrated energy system(s) for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single or multiple essential Tribal buildings during emergency situations or for Tribal community resilience
• Provide electric power to Tribal Building(s), which otherwise would be unelectrified
Grants range from $100,000 to $5 million depending on project area.
Application Deadline: May 30, 2024
FHWA Announces Nearly $45 Million in Available Funds to Improve Bicyclist and Pedestrian Connectivity and Safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has opened applications for up to $44.5 million in funding for projects that will strengthen safety and improve bicycling, walking and access to public transit in communities across the country. The new Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), will award competitive grants to help communities plan, design, or construct safe and connected active transportation networks such as sidewalks, bikeways, and trails that connect destinations such as schools, workplaces, residences, businesses, recreation areas and medical facilities within a community or metropolitan region. Grants will also be provided for projects used for trails, pedestrian facilities, bikeways and other routes that serve as backbones to connect two or more communities, metropolitan regions or states. The funding is available for states, local and Tribal governments, as well as metropolitan and regional planning organizations, and applicants can apply for more than one grant. .
Applications Due: June 17, 2024
Information Impacting Your Community
Curated by WNDD…
DOE Clean Energy and Manufacturing Workforce Training and Technical Assistance Awards
The Department of Energy (DOE) has recently released a $24 million funding opportunity for clean energy and manufacturing workforce training programs. The DOE is seeking applications from union training programs (including labor-management training programs), community colleges, trade schools, and other job training programs to establish new industrial training and assessment centers, as part of the broader Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) network. The funds can support a wide range of training programs, from micro-credentials to Registered Apprenticeships, and the funds may be used for a range of eligible costs.
Planning awards up to $200,000, execution awards up to $2 million
U.S. DOT Announces $1.25 Billion for Communities to Improve Roadway Safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has opened the process for cities, towns, counties, Tribal governments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to apply for $1.256 billion in funding for local projects that improve roadway safety. The funds are from the competitive grant program, Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A). SS4A funds will help communities in the development of road safety action plans and improve unsafe roadway corridors by implementing effective interventions. Additionally, these funds can be utilized to test out safety features such as separated bicycle lanes or curb extensions at intersections.
Implementation Grant Deadlines: May 16, 2024
Planning and Demonstration Grant Deadlines: April 4, 2024; May 16, 2024; August 29, 2024
Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants
A new funding window has opened for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. The DLT Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will help rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other – and the world – overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. The USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is hosting two webinars to provide information about the DLT Program and will cover the recently published DLT NOSA (Notice of Solicitation).
This webinar will include:
• A brief overview of the DLT Program
• An overview of the current NOSA
• A walkthrough of the application process
• Next steps and important dates
• An opportunity to ask questions about the NOSA
Webinar Dates and Times
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 10:00 am to 11:30 am PT
Wednesday March 27, 2024, 10:00 am to 11:30 am PT
Registration, Recordings and More
More on Traffic Safety: State Grant Opportunities
The Nevada Department of Public Safety is offering grant funds dedicated to non-infrastructure safety-related improvement projects (e.g., education, enforcement, equipment, etc.).
The FY25 grant opportunities are 5 p.m. March 15, 2024.
Grant funds are provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) for education, enforcement of traffic laws, and adoption of safe driving behaviors that support the State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The Office of Traffic Safety is interested in proposals that address the following:
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Impaired driving, riding, or walking
• Distracted driving
• Pedestrian, bicyclist, and/or motorcycle safety
• Preventing roadside deaths or injuries of first responders or in work zones
• Protecting passengers and children during vehicle operation
• Protecting children and others from risks related to being left unattended in a vehicle
• Community based traffic safety programs
• Traffic safety studies and improved data collection
• Public health partnerships and Emergency Management Services (EMS)
• New drivers, older drivers, and/or programs that reach underserved communities
Applications Due: March 15, 2024
WNDD Summit: “Show Me More Money”
March 25 and 26, 2024
The 2024 WNDD Summit will take off where “Show Me the Money” left off last year. This year’s event, dubbed “Show Me More Money,” will provide attendees with a more in depth look at navigating grant opportunities, building a successful grant application, fostering partnerships and more.
Guests include elected officials, sponsors and speakers. Expect presentations from area experts, exciting local tour, fun, food and entertainment!
Monday, March 25
Tour
3:00 to 5:00 pm
Frey Ranch Distillery Tour and Tasting
Board of Directors Dinner
6:00 to 9:00 pm
Elevated Dining Experience at the Historic Oats Park Art Center 151 E. Park Street, Fallon
Antique Bar, Cultural Exhibits
and Entertainment
Enjoy a fabulous meal and a special signature drink handcrafted with Frey Ranch Whiskey
Tuesday, March 26
Summit
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Fallon Convention Center 100 Campus Way, Fallon
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
Presentations and Panel Discussions:
Book Your Room Today!
Quality Inn
1051 W Williams Ave., Fallon
Government Rate of $107 plus tax
To get your guaranteed rate, call hotel direct at:
775.428.0300
Group Name: WNDD Summit
Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…
This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of broadband, grant assistance, water infrastructure and agriculture.
Grant Opportunities & More
Last Chance! Book Your Room Today!
Room Block Thru February 25th
Comfort Inn and Suites
1830 W Williams Ave., Fallon
Government Rate of $107 plus tax
To get your room guaranteed rate, book with Crystal Schultz at the Comfort Inn and Suites before February 25. You will need to book individually and with your credit card.
Email:
Crystal.CIFallon@gmail.com
Room Rate Guaranteed for Emails received by February 25th
ReConnect Program Webinar March 6: Notice of Funding Opportunity Round 5
The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program provides funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. The application window for the fifth round of funding will open on March 22, 2024. Presented by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service, this webinar will provide information about the ReConnect Program and will cover the recently published Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Round 5.
This webinar will include:
Webinar: March 6, 2024, 10:00 to 11:30 am PT
New Database Web Site Tracks Grant and Assistance Programs
The White House released a new database which tracks federal financial assistance programs. This website allows visitors to explore Federal financial assistance programs across categories, agencies, eligible applicants, and more. Over the past several years, financial assistance has routinely accounted for over $3 trillion of spending and constitutes a high proportion of Federal programs.
EPA’s Water Technical Assistance Ensures Equitable Access to Water Infrastructure Funding
EPA’s free Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) services support communities to identify water challenges, develop plans, build capacity, and develop application materials to access water infrastructure funding. To implement WaterTA, EPA collaborates with states, Tribes, territories, community partners, and other key stakeholders. EPA WaterTA aims to assist communities with applications for federal funding, quality infrastructure, and reliable water services. If your community is facing water infrastructure challenges, and could benefit from support, explore this option.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants
Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) competitive grants initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs.
Projects may target areas of:
• food access
• education
• business
• start-up costs for new farmer
Grants can cover planning activities such as developing assessments of community needs within the local food system or identifying how food is grown, distributed, or marketed and what existing needs related to food access, nutrition, education, conservation, and economic development can be addressed.
The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $75,000 and the estimated funding ceiling is $350,000.
Application Deadline: April 9, 2024
Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…
This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of grant information, networking, safe streets, business grants, and rural airport improvements.
Grant Opportunities & More
WNDD Summit: “Show Me More Money!”
The 2024 WNDD Summit will take off where “Show Me the Money” left off last year. This year’s event, dubbed “Show Me More Money,” will provide attendees with a more in depth look at navigating grant opportunities, building a successful grant application, fostering partnerships and more.
Expect presentations from area experts, exciting local tours, fun, food and entertainment!
Tentative Events – More Information Coming Soon!
March 25th
Tours
Naval Air Station Fallon Base Tour and Brief
Frey Ranch Distillery Tour and Tasting
Elevated Dining Experience
Catered Dinner, Antique Bar, Cultural Exhibits and Entertainment at the Historic Oats Park Art Center.
Enjoy a fabulous meal and a special signature drink handcrafted with Frey Ranch Whiskey.
March 26th
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
Presentations, Q and A sessions, Nevada Lithium/EV Materials Loop Tech Hub Impact Discussions
Room Block by February 25th
Government Rate of $107 plus tax
Comfort Inn and Suites
1830 W Williams Ave.
Fallon, NV
Reno Hosts FY 2024 ReConnect Program NOFO 5 Workshop
The ReConnect Program provides funds in the form of loans, grants and combination loan/grants for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
USDA is hosting an in-person workshop in Reno, Nevada on February 27th thru 29th. The workshop will cover important information for ReConnect Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 5 applicants including an overview of each component of a complete application, live demonstrations, office hours, and more.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program
US DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program has $5 billion in appropriated funds available over 5 years, 2022-2026. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Over $3 billion is still available for future funding rounds.
The next NOFO is expected to be released later this month. These funds will help communities in the development of road safety action plans and improve unsafe roadway corridors by implementing effective interventions. Additionally, these funds can be utilized to test safety features such as separated bicycle lanes or curb extensions at intersections.
Grant Funds to Boost Rural Business
USDA Rural Development offers this versatile program to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in eligible rural areas. Uses may include establishing business support centers, financing job training or leadership development programs, the repair or modernization of buildings, creating feasibility studies, the purchase of equipment to lease to small or emerging businesses, and much more. There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. There is no cost sharing requirement.
There are two types of Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) projects, Opportunity grants and Enterprise grants. Opportunity type grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total RBDG annual funding. Enterprise type grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application.
Contact your local office for assistance.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2024
Matching Dollars Available for Rural Airport Improvements
The Fund for Aviation was reestablished by the 2023 legislature through AB58 at $1,000,000 per year. These funds must be used exclusively on federal projects at public-use airports within the state for the enlargement, improvement, or maintenance of rural airports, landing areas or air navigation facilities. The money appropriated through this legislation must be used by rural airports to match money that is available from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Nevada Aviation Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) manages these funds and was formed as a forum for discussing planning and programming issues related to the Nevada Airport & Heliport System Plan (NAHSP), providing recommendations for the administration of the Fund for Aviation, (formerly the Aviation Trust Fund).
ReConnect Program Webinar:
Preparing to Apply
Presented by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS), the webinar will provide information about the ReConnect Program and help prepare applicants ahead of the next Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
This webinar will include:
Representatives will address as many questions as time permits during each session. Once the NOFO is published, RUS will host a NOFO Overview webinar to include an updated list of the most common.
ReConnect Program Round 5 Webinar
January 24, 2024
10:00 am to 11:30 pm PT
ReConnect Program Round 5 NOFO Coming Soon!